OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN TEA CAKES

Old fashioned Southern tea cakes are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of home-cooked comfort. These simple yet delicious cookies have a soft, cake-like texture with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg, making them perfect for tea time or as an anytime snack. This easy recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern baking, delivering a sweet and buttery flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups white sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Prepare the Dough Beat sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, then gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured board until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.

Roll and Cut the Dough Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the tea cakes. Place them 1 1/2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.

Bake and Cool Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Tea Cakes

Soft and cake-like texture with a buttery, slightly spiced flavor Simple ingredients and easy preparation Perfect for tea time, holiday baking, or nostalgic treats Customizable with different shapes or additional flavors like lemon or almond extract

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve your Southern tea cakes with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
  • These cookies also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  • For an added touch, drizzle a bit of honey or your favorite fruit jam on top for a sweet contrast.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and soft texture.
  • Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
  • Freezing: Tea cakes freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes fresh and delicious for days to come.

Variations

1. Lemon Tea Cakes
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist. This variation brings a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Almond Tea Cakes
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the dough for a nutty, aromatic flavor. You can also sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking for extra texture.

3. Chocolate Chip Tea Cakes
Mix in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey twist. This version combines the classic flavor of tea cakes with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate.

4. Spice Tea Cakes
For a spicier flavor, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough. This variation gives the cookies a warm, comforting taste perfect for colder months.

5. Coconut Tea Cakes
Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that enhances the flavor of the tea cakes.

6. Nutty Tea Cakes
Add ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy, nutty flavor. The nuts pair perfectly with the soft, cake-like texture of the cookies.

7. Iced Tea Cakes
For a sweet finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice over the cooled tea cakes. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look more festive.

These variations allow you to personalize your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes, giving you endless options for flavor combinations to suit any occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can use salted butter, it’s better to stick with unsalted butter for more control over the amount of salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, you may want to omit or reduce the salt in the recipe.

2. How thick should the dough be when I roll it out?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures the tea cakes bake evenly and have the classic soft, cake-like texture.

3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling out and baking.

4. How do I know when my tea cakes are done baking?
The tea cakes are done when the edges are golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just ensure you mix the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy, which may take a little longer with a hand mixer.

6. Can I substitute the white sugar with another type of sugar?
You can substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a slightly different texture and flavor, or use powdered sugar if you want a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth result.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind, the taste and texture may change slightly.

8. How can I make these tea cakes more festive?
To make your tea cakes more festive, you can decorate them with sprinkles, colored sugar, or even drizzle them with a simple glaze. You can also cut them into fun shapes for special occasions.

9. Why are my tea cakes too hard?
If your tea cakes turn out hard, it could be because the dough was overworked, or they were baked for too long. Be sure to knead the dough gently and watch the baking time carefully.

10. Can I make these tea cakes ahead of time?
Yes, these tea cakes can be made ahead of time. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.

These FAQs should help you troubleshoot and customize your Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes to perfection!

Old fashioned Southern tea cakes are a timeless treat that brings warmth and tradition to any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, as an afternoon snack, or as part of your holiday baking, these delicate cookies offer a taste of Southern hospitality in every bite. Try this classic recipe and savor the rich, homemade flavor of these delightful tea cakes.

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OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN TEA CAKES


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

 

Old fashioned Southern tea cakes are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of home-cooked comfort. These simple yet delicious cookies have a soft, cake-like texture with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg, making them perfect for tea time or as an anytime snack. This easy recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern baking, delivering a sweet and buttery flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

1 ¾ cups white sugar

1 cup butter

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg


Instructions

Prepare the Dough Beat sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, then gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured board until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.

Roll and Cut the Dough Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the tea cakes. Place them 1 1/2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.

Bake and Cool Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve your Southern tea cakes with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
  • These cookies also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  • For an added touch, drizzle a bit of honey or your favorite fruit jam on top for a sweet contrast.

Notes

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and soft texture.
  • Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
  • Freezing: Tea cakes freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour.